Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) are a blend of storytelling, strategy, and imagination, allowing players to take on the role of a character in a fictional world and embark on epic adventures. Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a classic fantasy game and the most popular tabletop RPG, whilst Call of Cthulhu is a horror-themed game with a sanity system that tracks players’ mental health. Pathfinder is a high-fantasy game with a robust rule system and expansive lore, whilst GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System) emphasizes customization and flexibility for any genre or setting. Tabletop RPGs allow players to experience epic adventures and create unforgettable stories with their friends.
Tabletop Role-Playing Games: A Guide to the Classics
If you’re an avid board gamer, then it’s likely that at some point, someone has introduced you to a tabletop role-playing game (RPG). RPGs have been around for decades and have amassed a dedicated following of enthusiasts. These games are a unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and imagination. They allow players to take on the role of a character in a fictional world and embark on epic adventures, battling monsters and solving puzzles along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this guide will provide an introduction to some of the classic tabletop RPGs.
Dungeons & Dragons
No guide to tabletop RPGs would be complete without mentioning the game that started it all: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). First published in 1974, D&D is a fantasy game set in a world of swords and sorcery. Players create characters like fighters, wizards, and rogues and navigate the game world with the help of a Dungeon Master (DM), who acts as the game’s storyteller, controlling the monsters and NPCs (non-player characters).
D&D is known for its detailed rule system and complex mechanics. Character creation can take some time, as players must select a race, class, and abilities, as well as equipment and spells. However, the depth of the game allows for endless variation, and players can create and customize their characters to fit any playstyle.
Call of Cthulhu
Call of Cthulhu is a horror-themed RPG inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The game takes place in the 1920s and casts the players as investigators dealing with supernatural horrors. The main focus of the game is investigation and deduction rather than combat, and players must use their wits and clues to uncover the mysteries and secrets of the Lovecraftian universe.
Call of Cthulhu is known for its sanity system, which tracks the mental health of the players as they encounter increasingly horrifying creatures and events. If a player loses too much sanity, they risk going insane and becoming a liability to the group. It’s a unique mechanic that adds an extra layer of tension and depth to the game.
Pathfinder
Pathfinder is a tabletop RPG that began as a fork of D&D 3.5. It retains many of the same mechanics and settings but has expanded and refined them to create a more customizable and varied game. Players can create a wide range of characters, including races like elves and dwarves, and classes like fighters and magicians. The game is set in a high-fantasy world filled with dragons and wizards, and even includes rules for managing kingdoms and armies if players want to take on a more strategic role.
Pathfinder is known for its robust rule system and expansive lore. The game has a vast array of sourcebooks and modules, allowing players to tailor their adventures to their liking. The game also has a strong community of players and developers, with many online resources and tools available to help players create and manage their characters.
GURPS
GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System) is a tabletop RPG that emphasizes customization and flexibility. Instead of having a set of pre-defined classes and races, players choose their abilities and attributes from a wide range of options. GURPS is designed to be compatible with any setting and genre, from high-fantasy to sci-fi to historical fiction. The game uses a 3d6 dice system and has a streamlined combat system that encourages tactical thinking and planning.
GURPS is known for its versatility and adaptability. Players can use the system to create almost any type of character, from superheroes to spies to space marines. The game also has a large fanbase and a variety of sourcebooks and modules available to help players create their own custom worlds and campaigns.
Conclusion
Tabletop RPGs have been a popular form of entertainment for decades and continue to captivate players with their immersive worlds and rich storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, horror, or sci-fi, there’s a tabletop RPG out there for you. From the classic D&D to the flexible GURPS, these games allow players to experience epic adventures and create unforgettable stories with their friends. So gather a group of friends, grab some dice, and embark on a journey like no other.